Overview

The Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP) is a protected area of approximately 2,200 km2 and is located 400 km southeast of Addis Ababa in Oromia National Regional State in south-eastern Ethiopia. It belongs to the Bale-Arsi massif, which forms the western section of the south-eastern Ethiopian highlands.

The BMNP covers the largest area higher than 3000m above sea level (asl) in Africa. The highest peak in the BMNP, Tullu Dimtuu, at an altitude of 4377m asl, is the second highest peak in Ethiopia. The park includes an Afroalpine plateau over 3500m asl, which is the largest area of Afroalpine habitat on the African continent, as well as a major section of moist tropical forest, the second largest in Ethiopia.

The BMNP comprises of three major zones:

I. The Gaysay grasslands. The landscape of the northern Gaysay section extends from one mountain range to another with a central broad flat valley with an altitude ranging from 3000 and 3550m asl. The southern ridge of the Gaysay area, which is relatively dry, is mainly covered with Juniperus procera, a nationally protected species. The relatively wet northern ridge is largely occupied by Hagenia abyssinica and Hypericum revolutum. The flat valleys of Gaysay are dominated by species of the genera Ar temisia, Helichrysum, Ferula and Kniphofia.

II. The central part of the park, an Afroalpine plateau, lies between 2800m asl in the north and 4377m asl. to the south. The northern escarpment of the Sanetti Plateau is dominated by Juniperus spp. followed by Hagenia-Hypevicum stands at the higher altitudes (between 3350-3500 m). The area between 3550m and 4000m asl. is covered by Erica shrub on ridges and Helichrysum moorland in the valleys. The flat mountaintop is covered by Helichrysum moorland dotted with Lobelia spp. Much of the Sanetti plateau lies over 4000m asl. and there are several peaks ranging from 4050m (Worgona and Wasema) to Tullu Dimtuu at 4377m.

III. The southern escarpment is covered by one of the most extensive and large natural forests remaining in Ethiopia, the Harenna Forest, which extends between 39°-40°E and 6°-7°N. The slope of the southern escarpment falls rapidly in altitude from the tree line at 3200m to 2000m within a distance of only 8 km, producing a rapid and spectacular change in landscape, habitat, and species composition

7 Nights/ 8 Days

Title: Bale Mountain trekking

Tour Code: SET 017

Duration: 7 Nights/ 8 Days

Means of Transport: Trekking

Day 1: Arrive Addis Ababa and transfer to the Hotel, city tour:

A representative from Senait Ethiopia Tours welcomes you on your arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and transfer to hotel. After refreshment, city tour of Addis Ababa. O/n Dream liner/Similar Hotel.

Day 2: Bale Mountains - Dinsho Lodge:

After breakfast, we start a full day's drive to the Bale Mt. National Park, traveling thorough the southeast part of the capital, where fertile land is cultivated by the Oromo people. We arrive at Dinsho (Park HQ) in the afternoon, in time for a walk around to see three of the endemic mammals: Menelik's Bushbuck, and Mountain Nyala. And birds Blue-winged goose, Spot-breasted lapwing, Abyssinian long claw, Wattled ibis, Black-headed siskin, Rouget’s rail, and of course other species, too. Overnight camping that is surrounded by juniper trees and numerous species of wildlife.

Day 3: Dinsho - Geysay Valley –

The whole day visit around Dinsho and Geysay Valley. In time hike to see three of the endemic mammals: Menelik's Bushbuck, Mountain Nyala and Ethiopian wolf. The rest of the day arranges the trekking staff. O/n Camping.

Day 4: Wolla Valleys (Kotera) - Camping:

Accompanied by your guide, a scout and packhorses we trek 5 hrs through the lush highland vegetation to our first campsite. The air here is clean and crisp and the scenery utterly stunning. O/n camping.

Day 5: Wassema Valley – Camping:

After breakfast we resume trek that will last for approx. 7-8 hrs. The trek offers the chance to see Ethiopia's endemic Abyssinian Wolf. Overnight camping at the base of Wassema Mountain. O/n camping

Day 6: Gebre Guracha – Camping:

Today we trek through the highlands, crossing Batu mountain on the way to Gebre Guracha. Wild flowers abound, the dominant plant being the Helichrysm, or 'everlasting' flowers. The Everlasting plant can be seen in several forms, but the grey bushes of H. splendidum are the most striking with their yellow flowers. Several rodent species are found in the area. O/n camping

Day 7: Sanetti Plateau to Goba Town - Wabe Shabele hotel:

After breakfast we trek for 5 hrs to the highest peak in the Bale Mountains, Tullu Deemtu (4377m, 14357ft) which is part of the Sanetti Plateau. The vistas are simply unbelievable and so photogenic. Here you will find small alpine lakes and typical afro-alpine vegetation that includes the Giant Lobelia and shrubs such as 'Everlasting'. Vistas reach out to the strange pinnacles of Chorchora Peak and across the sheer-sided Tegona River Gorge. There are views to the steep-sided volcanic plug of Konteh Tullu and the long, craggy ridges of Mount Batu. The car will meet us here and drive us down to Goba town for an overnight stay at Wabe Shebele Hotel.

Day 8: Drive back to Addis evening Departure:

Drive back to Addis Ababa with stops on the way at rift valley Lakes. Evening a fare well dinner party in one of the traditional Ethiopian restaurant with dances from different ethnic groups. Then transfer to The Airport for your flight back home.

12 Nights/ 11 Days

Title: Bale Mountain national Park

Tour Code: SET 018

Duration: 12 Nights/ 11 Days

Means of Transport: Trek

Description: It is the highlight of the Bale Mountain National park trekking tours.

Day 1: Arrive to in Addis Ababa and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in hotel.